Noise pollution is no longer a problem! Under the new regulations of 2025, there are 3 steps to legally protect your rights, and Article 88 will ensure you get a good night's sleep.

Late-night renovations, noise from square dancing? These behaviors are illegal!

Have you ever experienced:

• I was woken up at 5 a.m. by the sound of a drill from next door?

• The loud music from the square dancing downstairs is making the windows shake?

• The upstairs dog is barking until 2 a.m.?

According to Article 88 of the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, which was revised in June 2025 , these behaviors are suspected of being illegal! If warnings are ignored, the offender may be detained for 5 days and fined 1,000 yuan ; in serious cases, the maximum detention period is 10 days!

Article 88 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Penalties for Administration of Public Security

Solve your neighbor's nuisance problem in 3 steps, with the law backing you up!

Secure Evidence: These 3 Things Are Indispensable

• Record audio/video with timestamps : Record a continuous period of noise with your phone (recommended ≥10 minutes), and enable the "Display Time" function.

• Decibels detected : We recommend the app "Decibel Detector". You can file a complaint if the noise level exceeds 45 decibels at night (screenshot attached).

• Written communication records : Screenshots of WeChat/SMS messages of dissuasion, or a "Noise Rectification Notice" issued by the property management (requiring the other party's signature).

Complaint process: Follow this order for double the efficiency!

Step 1: Mediation by property management/neighborhood committee

→ Bring your evidence to the property management office to fill out the "Noise Complaint Registration Form" and request a mediation result within 7 days.

→ If mediation fails, request a "Certificate of Mediation Failure" (must be stamped).

Step 2: Complaint via 12345 hotline

→ When calling the hotline, please state: "Noise of type XX was present in Unit X, Building X, XX Community, at XX time. Mediation by the property management has been completed."

→ Request the work order number; you will receive the "Processing Comments" within 3 business days.

Step 3: Report the incident to the police station.

→ Please bring the following materials: proof of identity, evidence of noise pollution, mediation records, and the handling opinion from 12345 (China's consumer hotline).

→ After accepting the case, the police will conduct on-site testing. If the evidence is sufficient, an "Administrative Penalty Decision" can be issued on the spot.

The ultimate weapon for protecting your rights: These situations allow you to directly call the police.

• Noise lasting for more than 2 hours and exceeding the decibel standard (e.g., ≥55 decibels during the day).

• The other party refuses to open the door to communicate or has a bad attitude (such as deliberately raising their voice).

• Health problems such as insomnia and high blood pressure caused by noise (with hospital diagnosis certificate attached).

Typical cases in 2025: These behaviors were all punished!

Square dancing noise

• Illegal activity : Using a loudspeaker after 9 PM (measured at 65 decibels).

• Penalty : The organizer was detained for 5 days and the sound equipment was confiscated.

Renovation disturbs neighbors

• Violation : Using an electric drill at 7 a.m. on a weekend, and refusing to stop despite being warned three times.

• Penalty Result : The homeowner was warned and fined 800 yuan, and the renovation company was blacklisted from the industry.

Pet barking

• Violation : A German Shepherd barks continuously for 1 hour, and the owner refuses to take measures to stop the barking.

• Penalty : Ordered to rectify within 3 days; failure to do so will result in confiscation of the dog.

Have you ever experienced noise problems at home?

Feel free to share your solutions in the comments section.